Methods, systems, and products for providing communications services

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. One method receives a communication from an originating party, with the communication intended for a receiving party. A database of pre-created data messages is accessed, with the database storing a pre-created data message having a common association between the receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created data message is then communicated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/753,234, entitled “Web-Based Messaging System withCaller-Specific Messages,” filed Dec. 29, 2000, and of which the“Summary of the Invention” section and the “Detailed Description of thePresent Invention” section are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application also relates to the commonly owned andconcurrently filed U.S. application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Methods,Systems, and Products for Providing Communications Services” (AttorneyDocket BS00097CIP2 amend with serial number), of which the “BriefSummary of the Invention” and the “Detailed Description of theInvention” sections are incorporated herein by reference.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and itsfigures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves allcopyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] This invention generally relates to electrical computers,telecommunications, telephonic communications, electrical communicationsand, more particularly, to messaging systems.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] The term “voice mail” is often utilized to refer to systemswherein parties may leave spoken messages for one another that arestored and retrieved at a later time. Voice mail is also utilized torefer to spoken messages attached to electronic mail communications.

[0008] Telephone answering systems are an example of a voice mailsystem. In a conventional telephone answering system a user records agreeting that is replayed to incoming callers if the user does notanswer the telephone. Generally, the answering system allows an incomingcaller to record a spoken message that may be retrieved and listened toat a later time.

[0009] Although widely utilized, telephone answering systems have notadvanced to a significant degree. The United States patent literaturediscloses several approaches to improving telephone answering systemsand their components. U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,894 to Shaw, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method andapparatus for providing customized greeting messages from a switch basedvoice messaging service. U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,355, to Lim et al., thedisclosure of which is also hereby incorporated herein by reference,discloses a caller-ID device and/or integrated caller-ID and answeringmachine device which is configurable 1) to play pre-recordedannouncement for the user when the caller ID information received overthe PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) corresponds to storedinformation indicating an important caller; 2) to play a pre-recorded“block-the-blocker” outgoing message for the caller when ablocked-caller-ID code is received; and/or 3) to play a pre-recorded“reject call” outgoing message for the caller when the caller-IDinformation corresponds to stored information indicating an undesirablecaller.

[0010] There are several methods and products that allow the user of atelephone to identify the source of an incoming telephone call. U.S.Pat. No. 5,692,038, to Kraus et al., the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for identifying thesource of a communication, including the steps of: receiving thecommunication on a calling line; identifying the calling line numberassociated with the calling line; accessing a database to provide anidentity for the source by finding a database entry corresponding to thecalling line number; announcing this identity to the source; andrequesting confirmation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,158, to Romero, thedisclosure of which is also hereby incorporated herein by reference,discloses a caller ID call-back device that allows a user toautomatically place telephone calls to selected directory numbers usingseveral dialing plans.

[0011] It would be advantageous to have a telephone answering systemthat allows a user to provide a personalized caller specific greeting.For example, a home telephone user may wish to inform a contractor thatthe user will be home at a certain hour in order to let the contractorin. The home telephone user, however, would not want to leave a generalanswering machine message informing all callers that the user would beaway from home and returning at a particular time. A personalized callerspecific greeting system would allow the home telephone user's answeringsystem to respond to a call from the contractor with a message such as“Thank you for your call, Ms. Jones will be home at 4:00 PM to let youinto the house,” while responding to other calls with a general messagesuch as “We cannot answer the phone right now, please leave a messagefor us after the tone.” Similarly, a business telephone user may wish toleave personalized caller specific greetings for specific clients etc.As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, there are alarge number of potential uses for such a personalized caller specificgreeting system.

[0012] In addition to telephones, in recent years, the number ofcommunication devices and their use, has increased dramatically.Examples of communication devices include telephones, analog and digitalcellular phones, pages, wireless email devices, personal digitalassistants and the like. Many such devices are able to directly accessthe world wide web and/or corporate intranet sites.

[0013] Prior telephone answering systems often required a user tophysically interact with an answering machine in order to configure themachine. Alternatively, several types of answering machines weregenerally configurable via telephone. It would be advantageous, however,to have a telephone answering system that was configurable via anelectronic communications pathway such as the world wide web. It wouldbe further advantageous if such a telephone answering system providedfor personalized caller specific greetings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention provides a messaging system that overcomesthe disadvantages with prior systems and provides new advantages to itsusers. This messaging system allows a user to provide personalized,pre-created messages in response to incoming callers and electroniccommunications. In embodiments of the present invention, the messagingsystem may be configured remotely, for example via the internet/worldwide web.

[0015] According to the present invention, a messaging system comprisesa pre-created data message and a processing system. The processingsystem comprises a caller identification system and a database ofspecific messages linked to specific caller identification data. Theprocessing system is linked to a public switched telephone network, forexample, through an intranet link including proper security measures,and to the world wide web.

[0016] A user of the system may access the processing system through theworld wide web through a personal computer, personal digital assistantor wireless phone with internet capabilities. The processing systemmaintains an individual subscriber profile for the user that the usercan configure with specific messages, e.g. voice mail greetings and datamessages. The user may then control and specify which message isprovided to a particular caller. The subscriber profile comprisesinformation, including the subscriber's telephone number or numbers andcaller identification data for the subscriber of the type generallyfound in public switched telephone networks. In embodiments of thepresent invention, a user may also access the processing system via awire line or wireless telephone to configure their subscriber profilevia Voice XML.

[0017] For use, a user accesses his or her individual subscriber profilevia a personal computer or other means. The user then provides a list ofone or more telephone numbers that, if a call is received from, themessaging system will provide a customized, pre-created message to theparty placing the call to the subscriber. The telephone numbers areconverted to their respective caller identification (“caller id”) data.If a call is received by the subscriber, caller id data for call isobtained and the processing system is notified. The processing systemand queries the subscriber profile to determine whether the caller idfor the call matches a caller id specified by the subscriber. If so, theprocessing system provides the pre-created message entered by thesubscriber into the processing system. The message is returned throughthe public switched telephone network to the caller. In embodiments ofthe present invention the processing system may direct a service controlpoint (SCP) to direct a Service Switching Point (SSP) to route theincoming call to a specific network location, referred to herein as avoice/web gateway to receive the customized message.

[0018] This invention describes an entirely new messaging system. Thisinvention allows a user (such as a subscriber of this messaging service)to compose pre-created data messages for particular individuals and/orgroups. That is, the subscriber can compose individualized data messagesfor friends, family members, co-workers, and groups of people. When thesubscriber receives a telephone call, or an electronic communication,from an originating party (e.g., the friend or family member), thisinvention automatically replies with the particular pre-created datamessage intended for that originating party. The pre-created datamessage is communicated to the originating party, and the originatingparty may then read the automatically-replied data message.

[0019] This invention provides pre-created data messages. One of theembodiments receives a communication from an originating party, with thecommunication intended for a receiving party. The term “communication,”as used herein, can mean both a telephone call and/or a data message.The term “communication,” then, can be a familiar Plain Old TelephoneSystem call and can be an Internet Protocol call over a Voice-OverInternet Protocol communications network. The term “communication” mayalso include electronic communications, such as data messages using anInternet Protocol (e.g., email). When the communication is received, adatabase of pre-created data messages is accessed. The database stores apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party. The pre-created data messageis then communicated. The term “pre-created data message” means anypreviously composed electronic communication message using an InternetProtocol. The pre-created data message may include data message, such asemails, instant messages, short messages, and packetized Voice-OverInternet Protocol communications.

[0020] Another of the embodiments describes another method for providingcommunications services. Here a communication is received from anoriginating party, with the communication intended for a receivingparty. A database of pre-created data messages is accessed. The databasestores multiple pre-created data messages associated with the receivingparty. One of the pre-created data messages is selected and communicatedvia an Internet Protocol communications network.

[0021] Other embodiments of this invention describe a system forproviding communications services. A Communications Module is stored ina memory device, and a processor communicates with the memory device.The Communications Module receives a communication from an originatingparty that is intended for a receiving party. The Communications Moduleaccesses a database of pre-created data messages. The database stores apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party. The Communications Modulethen initiates a communication of the pre-created data message.

[0022] Still other embodiments of this invention describe a computerprogram product. A computer-readable medium stores a CommunicationsModule. The Communications Module receives a communication from anoriginating party that is intended for a receiving party. TheCommunications Module accesses a database of pre-created data messages.The database stores a pre-created data message having a commonassociation between the receiving party and the originating party. TheCommunications Module then initiates a communication of the pre-createddata message.

[0023] An advantage of the present invention is that the subscriberprofile information may be remotely accessed and configured. That is, asubscriber may utilize the world wide web, via a personal computer,personal digital assistant or wireless phone, to compose the pre-createdmessages. Thus, a subscriber may configure his or her information andprofile from locations remote from the phone receiving the incomingcalls. Another advantage of the present invention is that a subscribermay configure their profile utilizing Voice XML input. This aspect ofthe present invention allows the subscriber to update their profileremotely utilizing a voice link. A further advantage of the presentinvention is that a subscriber may configure their profile to deliverspecific pre-created messages, including customized data messages, tospecific incoming callers and to incoming electronic communications.

[0024] Other systems, methods, and/or computer program productsaccording to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill inthe art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description.It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/orcomputer program products be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of theembodiments of the present invention are better understood when thefollowing Detailed Description of the Invention is read with referenceto the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating the embodiments ofthis invention;

[0027]FIG. 2 depicts a possible operating environment for theembodiments of this invention FIGS. 3-5 illustrate yet other possibleoperating environments for the embodiments of this invention;

[0028]FIG. 6 is another schematic illustrating the embodiments of thisinvention;

[0029]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providingcommunications services, according to the embodiments of this invention;and

[0030]FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating still another method ofproviding communications services, according to even more embodiments ofthis invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, allstatements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents as well asequivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed thatperform the same function, regardless of structure).

[0032] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and thelike represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems andmethods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elementsshown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicatedhardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software.Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Theirfunction may be carried out through the operation of program logic,through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control anddedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique beingselectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

[0033] This invention describes an entirely new messaging system. Thisinvention allows a user (such as a subscriber of this messaging service)to compose pre-created data messages for particular individuals and/orgroups. That is, the subscriber can compose individualized data messagesfor friends, family members, co-workers, and groups of people. When thesubscriber receives a telephone call, or an electronic communication,from an originating party (e.g., the friend or family member), thisinvention automatically replies with the particular pre-created datamessage intended for that originating party. The pre-created datamessage is communicated to the originating party, and the originatingparty may then read the automatically-replied data message.

[0034] The messaging system of this invention is easy to establish andto use. The subscriber accesses a user interface. The user interfaceallows the subscriber to compose each pre-created data message. The userinterface then asks the subscriber to associate each pre-created datamessage to any number of intended recipients. Each recipient can beidentified by any identifying information. Each recipient, however, ismost likely identified by their calling telephone number, their emailaddress, their listing information, or any other Internet Protocolinformation (e.g., their email address). The user interface also asksthe subscriber to select what event triggers the automatically-replieddata message. The subscriber, for example, might want a calling party toautomatically receive a pre-created data message. If the subscriberreceives an email from a friend, the subscriber might want that friendto receive a pre-created, automatically-replied email. The subscribermay also choose a pre-created data message when an Internet Protocoltelephone call is received. The subscriber may even choose to haveothers notified when a telephone call is received. Each pre-created datamessage, in fact, may be communicated to any destination of thesubscriber's choosing, such as individuals and/or groups (e.g., a “buddylist”).

[0035] This invention allows the subscriber to create personalized,pre-created messages for particular people. This invention differs fromtraditional “auto-reply” email software features in that the subscribercan compose unique, personalized messages for any number of recipients.The subscriber, for example, might compose one or more pre-createdmessages for family members and, yet, different pre-created messages forcoworkers. If a coworker should attempt to reach the subscriber (via atelephone call or an electronic communication) on a vacation day, thepre-created data message might read “I will be on vacation and willreturn Monday.” Should a family member, however, attempt to reach thesubscriber, the pre-created data message might read “We have gone skiingin the mountains, but we will return in time for Dave's birthday party.”The subscriber may even choose to compose pre-created data messages forparticular individuals. “Steve, we plan to arrive at your house Saturdayevening around 7 PM.” “Jane, the kids are sick, so we must cancel ourlunch.” “Mr. Jones, I will return to the office Monday, however, themonthly report is attached to this message.” “Team, because it israining, I have rescheduled baseball practice for Monday evening.” Thesubscriber simply composes whatever message is desired, and thesubscriber then associates that message to the individual recipient(s).

[0036]FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating the embodiments ofthis invention. The embodiments of this invention include aCommunications Module 20. The Communications Module 20 comprisesmethods, systems, computer programs, and/or computer program productsthat provide pre-created data messages in response to incomingcommunications. The Communications Module 20 operates within anycomputer system, such as a communications server 22. The CommunicationsModule 20 receives, or detects receipt of, a communication 24 from anoriginating party 26. As FIG. 1 illustrates, the term “communication”can mean a familiar Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) telephone call 28.The Communications Module 20, as will be later explained, would thenoperate within the communications server 22 interfacing with a PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN) 30. The term “communication” may alsoinclude an electronic communication 32, such as an email message, aninstant message, a short messaging service, voice-over internet protocol(VoIP) calls, and/or other data messages, communicated via an InternetProtocol communications network 34. When the communication 24 isreceived, a database 36 of pre-created data messages is accessed. Thedatabase 36 stores a pre-created data message 38 having a commonassociation between a receiving party and the originating party. Thepre-created data message 38 is then retrieved and communicated via theInternet Protocol communications network 34.

[0037]FIG. 2 depicts another possible operating environment for theembodiments of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing theCommunications Module 20 residing in a computer system 40. The computersystem 40 may be any computing system (such as the communications server22 shown in FIG. 1) or any other computer device. As FIG. 2 shows, theCommunications Module 20 operates within a system memory device. TheCommunications Module 20, for example, is shown residing in a memorysubsystem 42. The Communications Module 20, however, could also residein flash memory 44 or a peripheral storage device 46. The computersystem 40 also has one or more central processors 48 executing anoperating system. The operating system, as is well known, has a set ofinstructions that control the internal functions of the computer system40. A system bus 50 communicates signals, such as data signals, controlsignals, and address signals, between the central processor 48 and asystem controller 52 (typically called a “Northbridge”). The systemcontroller 52 provides a bridging function between the one or morecentral processors 48, a graphics subsystem 54, the memory subsystem 42,and a PCI (Peripheral Controller Interface) bus 56. The PCI bus 56 iscontrolled by a Peripheral Bus Controller 58. The Peripheral BusController 58 (typically called a “Southbridge”) is an integratedcircuit that serves as an input/output hub for various peripheral ports.These peripheral ports are shown including a keyboard port 60, a mouseport 62, a serial port 64 and/or a parallel port 66 for a video displayunit, one or more external device ports 68, and networking ports 70(such as SCSI or Ethernet). The Peripheral Bus Controller 58 alsoincludes an audio subsystem 72. Those of ordinary skill in the artunderstand that the program, processes, methods, and systems describedin this patent are not limited to any particular computer system orcomputer hardware.

[0038] Those of ordinary skill in the art also understand the centralprocessor 48 is typically a microprocessor. Advanced Micro Devices,Inc., for example, manufactures a full line of ATHLON™ microprocessors(ATHLON™ is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., One AMD Place,P.O. Box 3453, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94088-3453, 408.732.2400, 800.538.8450,www.amd.com). The Intel Corporation also manufactures a family of X86and P86 microprocessors (Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd.,Santa Clara, Calif. 95052-8119, 408.765.8080, www.intel.com). Othermanufacturers also offer microprocessors. Such other manufacturersinclude Motorola, Inc. (1303 East Algonquin Road, P.O. Box A3309Schaumburg, Ill. 60196, www.Motorola.com), International BusinessMachines Corp. (New Orchard Road, Armonk, N.Y. 10504, (914) 499-1900,www.ibm.com), and Transmeta Corp. (3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara,Calif. 95054, www.transmeta.com). Those skilled in the art furtherunderstand that the program, processes, methods, and systems describedin this patent are not limited to any particular manufacturer's centralprocessor.

[0039] The preferred operating system is the UNIX® operating system(UNIX® is a registered trademark of the Open Source Group,www.opensource.org). Other UNIX-based operating systems, however, arealso suitable, such as LINUX® or a RED HAT® LINUX-based system (LINUX®is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds, and RED HAT® is aregistered trademark of Red Hat, Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C.,1-888-733-4281, www.redhat.com). Other operating systems, however, arealso suitable. Such other operating systems would include aWINDOWS-based operating system (WINDOWS® is a registered trademark ofMicrosoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond Wash. 98052-6399,425.882.8080, www.Microsoft.com). and Mac® OS (Mac® is a registeredtrademark of Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif.95014, 408.996.1010, www.apple.com). Those of ordinary skill in the artagain understand that the program, processes, methods, and systemsdescribed in this patent are not limited to any particular operatingsystem.

[0040] The system memory device (shown as memory subsystem 42, flashmemory 44, or peripheral storage device 46) may also contain anapplication program. The application program cooperates with theoperating system and with a video display unit (via the serial port 64and/or the parallel port 66) to provide a Graphical User Interface(GUI). The Graphical User Interface typically includes a combination ofsignals communicated along the keyboard port 60 and the mouse port 62.The Graphical User Interface provides a convenient visual and/or audibleinterface with a user of the computer system 40.

[0041]FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate yet other possible operating environmentsfor the embodiments of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic showing theCommunications Module 20 operating within an intelligently-controlledcommunications network 74. This communications network 74 furtherrepresents an operating environment for the Communications Module 20.The communications network 74 includes a communications switch 76 of thePublic Switched Telephone Network 30. The communications switch 76includes Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) componentry 78 controllingmany features of the communications switch 76. The Advanced IntelligentNetwork (AIN) componentry 78 includes the Communications Module 20operating within the computer system (shown as reference numeral 40 inFIG. 2). The communications switch 76 and the Advanced IntelligentNetwork (AIN) componentry 78 interface with the Internet Protocolcommunications network 34. The Internet Protocol communications network34 may also communicate with the communications server 22, and theCommunications Module 20 resides within the communications server 22.The signaling between the communications switch 76, the Public SwitchedTelephone Network 30, the Advanced Intelligent Network 78, and theInternet Protocol communications network 34, however, is well understoodin the art and will not be further described. If a reader desires a moredetailed explanation, the reader is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,719issued to Weisser (Jul. 4, 1995), with the “Summary of the Invention”and the “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment” sectionsincorporated herein by reference. The reader is also directed to U.S.Pat. No. 5,917,817 issued to Dunn et al. (Jun. 29, 1999), with the“Summary of the Invention” and the “Detailed Description” sectionsincorporated herein by reference.

[0042] As FIG. 3 illustrates, the Communications Module 20 receives, ordetects the receipt of, the communication 24. Here the communication 24is the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) telephone call 28. Thetelephone call 28 originates from the originating party 26, and thetelephone call 28 is intended to terminate at a receiving party 80. Thetelephone call 28 is communicated via the Public Switched TelephoneNetwork 30 and received at the communications switch 76. The AdvancedIntelligent Network componentry 78 suspends processing of the telephonecall 28 and consults the Communications Module 20. The CommunicationsModule 20 determines whether the receiving party 80 subscribes to themessaging service of this invention. If the receiving party is asubscriber to this messaging service, the Communications Module 20 thenaccesses the database 36 of pre-created data messages. The database 36of pre-created data messages is shown remotely located and communicatingwith the Internet Protocol communications network 34. The database 36 ofpre-created data messages, however, could alternatively or additionallybe locally located with the Advanced Intelligent Network componentry 78and/or the communications server 22. The database 36 of pre-created datamessages maps the receiving party, the originating party, and at leastone pre-created data message. The Communications Module 20 queries thedatabase 36 for the pre-created data message 38 having a commonassociation between a receiving party and the originating party. If amatch is found, the pre-created data message 38 is then retrieved andcommunicated via the Internet Protocol communications network 34.

[0043]FIG. 4 further illustrates communication of the pre-created datamessage 38. Once the pre-created data message 38 is retrieved, thepre-created data message 38 may then be communicated to variousdestinations. As FIG. 4 shows, the pre-created data message 38 may bewirelessly communicated via a wireless communications network 82. Thepre-created data message 38 may communicate to a Mobile Switching Center84 (shown as “MSC”) via the communications switch 76. The pre-createddata message 38 would then be broadcast to an Internet Protocolcommunications device 86. The pre-created data message 38 may alsocommunicate to a pager communications network 88 via the InternetProtocol communications network 34 and/or the communications switch 76.The pre-created data message 38 may also be wirelessly communicatedusing any other frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum, such asthe Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (shown as “ISM”) band and/or anywireless communication standard, such as the I.E.E.E. 802 family ofstandards (both shown as reference numeral 90). The wirelesscommunications network 82 may also include satellite communicationssystems and microwave communications systems.

[0044]FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, yet FIG. 5 illustrates apacket-network architecture. This packet network represents analternative operating environment for the Communications Module 20. Herethe communications switch 76 is a packet-based “softswitch.” Thissoftswitch 76 uses software control to provide voice, data, and videoservices by dynamically changing its connection data rates and protocolstypes. An application server 92 interfaces with the softswitch 76 via apacket protocol, such as the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Thisapplication server 92 includes voice service protocols, triggers, and/oroperations that allow the Public Switched Telephone Network 30 and theInternet Protocol communications network 34 to interoperate.

[0045] The embodiments of this invention are particularly useful formessaging systems. As FIGS. 3-5 illustrate, once the pre-created datamessage 38 is retrieved, the pre-created data message 38 may then becommunicated to various destinations. The pre-created data message 38,for example, could be forwarded to any number of IP Addresses that asubscriber might specify. The subscriber could compose pre-created datamessages for individuals and/or for groups. The subscriber could mayassociate a particular data message to an individual and/or a group(e.g., a “buddy list” or a group distribution list). The pre-createddata message 38 might be forwarded to the originating party (shown asreference numeral 26 in FIG. 1) as an automatic response to the incomingtelephone call or electronic communication (shown, respectively, asreference numerals 24 and 32 in FIG. 1). The pre-created data message 38could also be forwarded to any other destination(s) the subscriber mightspecify.

[0046] The subscriber might specify personalized, pre-created messagesfor particular people. This invention allows the subscriber to composethe pre-created data message 38 and then associate that message 38 toindividuals. The subscriber, for example, might compose one or morepre-created messages for family members and different pre-createdmessages for coworkers. If a coworker should attempt to reach thesubscriber (via the telephone call 28 or the electronic communication 32in FIG. 1) on a vacation day, the pre-created data message 38 might read“I will be on vacation and will return Monday.” Should a family member,however, attempt to reach the subscriber, the pre-created data message38 might read “We have gone to the beach, and we will join John's familyfor Sunday dinner.” The subscriber may even choose to composepre-created data messages for particular individuals. “John, we plan toarrive at your house Sunday evening around 6 PM.” “Mary, could you bringpotato salad to John's?” “Mr. Jones, I will return to the office Monday,however, the monthly report is attached to this message.” “Team, becauseit is raining, I have rescheduled baseball practice for Monday evening.”The subscriber simply composes whatever message is desired, and thesubscriber then associates that message to the individual(s). Thesubscriber would most likely associate the message to the email addressof the recipient party (e.g., the originating party 26 of thecommunication 24). The subscriber, however, could associate the messageto whatever Internet Protocol address/identifier corresponds to therecipient party/parties.

[0047]FIG. 6 is another schematic illustrating the embodiments of thisinvention. FIG. 6 shows another method of providing communicationsservices. FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 1. Here, however, when thepre-created data message 38 is chosen, the pre-created data message 38is selected based upon a common association between the originatingparty 26 (e.g., the calling party or the sender of the electroniccommunication 32) and an additional condition 94. The database 36 storesmultiple pre-created data messages associated with the receiving party.That is, the receiving party of the communication 24 (whether thetelephone call 28 or the electronic communication 32) can compose,store, and associate multiple pre-created data messages. A subscriber ofthis messaging service, then, can associate the originating party, aparticular pre-created message, and the additional condition 94. Theadditional condition 94 can be any condition the subscriber/receivingparty can logically describe.

[0048] The additional condition 94 could be a time/date. The subscribermight specify a particular pre-created data message for particular timesof the day and/or days of the week. The subscriber, for example, mightspecify that if the telephone call 28 is received after 9 PM, and before6 AM, the telephone call is not processed. The pre-created data message38 is, instead, sent to an Internet Protocol address associated with theoriginating party 26 (e.g., the calling party). The pre-created datamessage 38 might read “We do not accept telephone calls after 9 PM.Please feel free to reply to this message and we will contact you in themorning.” If the subscriber has a field inspection each Wednesday, thesubscriber might specify that the originating party receive thepre-created data message 38 saying “Today is Wednesday, and I will beout of the office.” As those of ordinary skill in the art should nowunderstand, the subscriber might specify any number of pre-created datamessages for particular times of the day and/or days of the week.

[0049] The additional condition 94 could be entries in an electroniccalendar. If the subscriber maintains an electronic calendar accessiblevia the Internet Protocol communications network 34, the CommunicationsModule 20 could interface with that calendar. The Communications Module20 could select the pre-created data message 38 based upon a commonassociation between the originating party 26 and an entry in thesubscriber's electronic calendar. The Communications Module 20 couldretrieve the entry in the calendar and automatically assemble thepre-created message 38. The subscriber, for example, might specify thegeneric message “From [start time] to [end time] I am in a meeting.” TheCommunications Module 20 would access the calendar, retrieve the meetingtimes, and then complete the message. When the communication 24 isreceived, the pre-created data message 38 might read “From 10 AM to11:30 AM I am in a meeting.” If the calendar entry denotes a vacationday, the pre-created data message 38 might read “Today is Tuesday, and Iwill be on vacation. I will return to the office on Monday, June 5.”

[0050] The Communications Module 20 might also use calendar entries toassemble pre-created messages for individuals. The subscriber, asbefore, could compose the pre-created data message 38 and then associatethat message 38 to one or individuals. The subscriber, for example,might compose “Mom, here is my calendar for [date]. I will call you assoon as I am free.” If the subscriber's mother should call orelectronically communicate, the Communications Module 20 retrieves thesubscriber's calendar entries for the present day (or week or any othertime/day). The subscriber's mother would then receive the pre-createddata message 38 “Mom, here is my calendar for Thursday, June 8. 9 AM-10AM meeting with Mr. Jones, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM group luncheon, 3 PM-5 PMconference call with Loa Angeles office. I will call you as soon as I amfree.” The subscriber simply composes whatever message is desired, withthe desired calendar content, and the subscriber then associates thatmessage to the individual(s).

[0051] The Communications Module 20 might also use other electronictracking entries to assemble pre-created messages for individuals.Suppose, for example, the subscriber maintains an electronic task or “todo” list. The subscriber might specify that when a task is completed,the Communications Module 20 should automatically assemble the message“Doris, on [date] I have just completed the task of [task description].”When the subscriber completes or dismisses the task, the CommunicationsModule 20 retrieves the task description and composes “Doris, on June 14I have just completed the task of paint office walls.” If the subscribermaintains electronic notes, the subscriber might specify that when aparticular person calls or electronically communicates, theCommunications Module 20 automatically assembles the message “Dave, thismeeting is lasting longer than 1 thought. Here are my notes thus far.”The Communications Module 20 then inserts the meeting notes. As those ofordinary skill in the art now understand, the Communications module 20can interface with any electronic data and associate that electronicdata to particular individuals.

[0052] The additional condition 94 could also be presence and/oravailability information. The Communications Module 20 could usepresence and availability information to compose the pre-created datamessage 38. The term “presence” means the subscriber, or one of thesubscriber's Internet Protocol communications device (such as that shownas reference numeral 86 in FIGS. 4 and 5), has established a presencewith the communications network 74. The term “availability” asks whetherthe subscriber is available to receive communications services and, ifso, how the subscriber is available. When the communications network 74detects that the subscriber's wireless phone, for example, is poweredand operating, the communications network 74 would know the subscriberis “present” at the wireless phone. The communications network 74 couldthen automatically route telephone calls and electronic communicationsto the subscriber's wireless phone. The communications network 74,likewise, could detect the subscriber's presence when the subscriberlogs on to the Internet Protocol communications network 34 and is, thus,available to send and receive electronic messages and othercommunications.

[0053] Even though the subscriber may have a presence, the subscribermay not be available to receive communications. Although thecommunications network 74, for example, may detect the presence of thesubscriber's wireless phone, the subscriber may not wish to receivecalls. The subscriber would then not be available to receivecommunications. The subscriber, alternatively, may be available only forcertain calling party telephone numbers, such as the subscriber's hometelephone number. The subscriber may also only be available for certainemail addresses or other Internet Protocol identifiers/information.

[0054] The Communications Module 20 may use presence and availabilityinformation to compose the pre-created data message 38. Suppose thesubscriber initiates a call using a wireless communications device (suchas a cellular phone). The communications network 74 processes the calland, thus, knows the subscriber has a “presence” at the cellular phone.Should the subscriber then receive the POTS telephone call 28, thesubscriber might specify that the Communications module 20 suspendprocessing of the telephone call 28 and, instead, return communicate thedata message “I am on the phone, but I will promptly return your call.Please feel free to reply with a detailed message.” Similarly, eventhough the subscriber has a presence at the cellular phone, thesubscriber may not wish to receive calls to the cellular number. In thiscase the subscriber does not have “availability,” so the subscribermight specify that the Communications module 20 suspend processing ofincoming cellular calls and, instead, return communicate the datamessage “I am not available to receive your call, but please feel freeto reply with a detailed message.” Another example might involve masselectronic communications, commonly called “spamming.” If theCommunications Module 20 detects receipt of a spam electroniccommunication (whether email, facsimile, or other method), thesubscriber might specify that the pre-created data message “Pleaseremove this address from your mailing list” be sent. These are but asmall example of how the subscriber might use presence and availabilityinformation to reduce unwanted intrusions and/or disturbances.

[0055] The additional condition 94 could also be searchcriteria/criterion. That is, the Communications Module 20 could selectthe pre-created data message 38 based upon a search of another database.The subscriber could specify whatever search criteria is desirable, andthe Communications Module 20 could search any database/computer systemcommunicating with the Internet Protocol communications network 34.Suppose again, for example, the subscriber coaches a baseball team. Thesubscriber could compose two data messages, depending upon the weather.When a member of the baseball teams calls or electronicallycommunicates, the Communications Module 20 could be instructed toretrieve the local weather report via the Internet Protocolcommunications network 34. The additional condition 94, then, would be“weather” retrieved from a website (perhaps www.weather.com,www.bellsouth.net, a local television/radio station's website, or anyother weather outlet) or monitoring equipment. If the additionalcondition 94 indicates sunny/fair weather, the subscriber might specifythat the Communications Module 20 return communicates the data message“We will have baseball practice at 5 PM.” If, however, the additionalcondition 94 indicates rain/poor weather, the subscriber might specifythat the Communications Module 20 return communicate the data message“Baseball practice is canceled for [today]. We will reschedule for[tomorrow]” (note this example also accesses calendar entries and grouplistings). The subscriber might also specify that the search criterionis a sporting outcome. If the Atlanta Braves win the World Series, thesubscriber might specify that the Communications Module 20 returncommunicate the data message “Braves won! Meet me at Don's Bistro!” If,however, the Braves lose, the pre-created data message 38 might read“Braves lost. I'm in no mood to socialize.” The additional condition 94,then, would be a “sports score” retrieved from a website (perhapswww.espn.com, www.bellsouth.net, a local television/radio station'swebsite, or any other sports outlet). The search criteria/criterion maybe any data retrievable via the Internet Protocol communications network34, such as news events, travel conditions, and health/medicalinformation. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, recognize thatthe possible search criteria/criterion are too numerous to list. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art understand, then, that the additionalcondition 94 can be any information retrievable via a local memoryand/or via the Internet Protocol communications network 34.

[0056]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providingcommunications services, according to the embodiments of this invention.A communication is received from an originating party (Block 96). Thecommunication is intended for a receiving party. The communication maybe a telephone call intended to terminate at the receiving party (Block98). The communication may also be a data message addressed to thereceiving party (Block 100). A database of pre-created data messages isaccessed (Block 102). The database stores a pre-created data messagehaving a common association between the receiving party and theoriginating party. The pre-created data message is then communicated(Block 104) via an Internet Protocol communications (“comm”) network(Block 106), via a wireless communications (“comm”) network (Block 108),and/or via a pager communications (“comm”) network (Block 110). Thepre-created data message may be communicated to the originating party(Block 112) and/or to another destination (Block 114). Anacknowledgement may be communicated (Block 116) to confirm that thepre-created data message was communicated and/or received. Theacknowledgment may be initiated by the destination. The acknowledgmentmay also be initiated by the Communications Module (shown as referencenumeral 20 in FIGS. 1-6).

[0057]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another method of providingcommunications services, according to the embodiments of this invention.A communication is received from an originating party (Block 118). Thecommunication is intended for a receiving party. The communication maybe a telephone call intended to terminate at the receiving party (Block120). The communication may also be a data message addressed to thereceiving party (Block 122). A database of pre-created data messages isaccessed (Block 124). The database stores multiple pre-created datamessages associated with the receiving party. One of the pre-createddata messages is selected (Block 126). The data message may be selectedbased upon a common association between the originating party and anadditional condition (Block 128). The additional condition is specifiedby the receiving party. The additional condition may be a time of a daythat the communication is received (Block 130), an entry in anelectronic calendar (Block 132), presence information (Block 134),and/or a search of another database (Block 136).

[0058] The flowchart continues with FIG. 9. After the data message isselected, the data message is communicated (Block 138) via an InternetProtocol communications network (Block 140) and/or via a wirelesscommunications network (Block 142). One of the pre-created data messagesmay be communicated to the originating party (Block 144) and/or toanother destination (Block 146). An acknowledgement may be communicated(Block 148) to confirm that the pre-created data message wascommunicated and/or received.

[0059] The Communications Module may also be physically embodied on orin any addressable (e.g., HTTP, I.E.E.E. 802.11, Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP)) wireless device capable of accepting/presenting an IPaddress. Examples could include a computer, a wireless personal digitalassistant (PDA), an Internet Protocol mobile phone, or a wireless pager.

[0060] While the present invention has been described with respect tovarious features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilledin the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Othervariations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing communications services,comprising the steps of: receiving a communication from an originatingparty, the communication intended for a receiving party; accessing adatabase of pre-created data messages, the database storing apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party; and communicating thepre-created data message.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein thestep of communicating the pre-created data message comprisescommunicating the pre-created data message via an Internet Protocolcommunications network.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein thestep of communicating the pre-created data message comprises wirelesslycommunicating the pre-created data message via a wireless communicationsnetwork.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofcommunicating the pre-created data message comprises wirelesslycommunicating the pre-created data message via a pager communicationsnetwork.
 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of receivingthe communication comprises receiving a telephone call intended toterminate at the receiving party.
 6. A method according to claim 1,wherein the step of receiving the communication comprises receiving adata message addressed to the receiving party.
 7. A method according toclaim 1, wherein the step of communicating the pre-created data messagecomprises communicating the pre-created data message to the originatingparty.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofcommunicating the pre-created data message comprises communicating thepre-created data message to another destination.
 9. A method ofproviding communications services, comprising the steps of: receiving acommunication from an originating party, the communication intended fora receiving party; accessing a database of pre-created data messages,the database storing multiple pre-created data messages associated withthe receiving party; selecting one of the pre-created data messages; andcommunicating the pre-created data message.
 10. A method according toclaim 9, wherein the step of communicating the pre-created data messagecomprises communicating the pre-created data message via an InternetProtocol communications network.
 11. A method according to claim 9,wherein the step of communicating the pre-created data message compriseswirelessly communicating the pre-created data message via a wirelesscommunications network.
 12. A method according to claim 9, wherein thestep of receiving the communication comprises receiving a telephone callintended to terminate at the receiving party.
 13. A method according toclaim 9, wherein the step of receiving the communication comprisesreceiving a data message addressed to the receiving party.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the step of communicating the pre-createddata message comprises communicating the pre-created data message to theoriginating party.
 15. A method according to claim 9, wherein the stepof communicating the pre-created data message comprises communicatingthe pre-created data message to another destination.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the step of selecting one of thepre-created data messages comprises selecting one pre-created datamessage having a common association between the originating party and anadditional condition, the additional condition specified by thereceiving party.
 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein theadditional condition comprises a time of a day that the communication isreceived.
 18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the additionalcondition comprises entries in an electronic calendar.
 19. A methodaccording to claim 16, wherein the additional condition comprisespresence information.
 20. A method according to claim 16, wherein theadditional condition is based on a search of another database.
 21. Asystem, comprising: a Communications Module stored in a memory device,and a processor communicating with the memory device; the CommunicationsModule receiving a communication from an originating party that isintended for a receiving party, the Communications Module accessing adatabase of pre-created data messages, the database storing apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party, the Communications Modulethen initiating a communication of the pre-created data message.
 22. Acomputer program product, comprising: a computer-readable medium; and aCommunications Module stored on the computer-readable medium, theCommunications Module receiving a communication from an originatingparty that is intended for a receiving party, the Communications Moduleaccessing a database of pre-created data messages, the database storinga pre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party, the Communications Modulethen initiating a communication of the pre-created data message.